N
Nad’Jah
Baltimore2 reviews
- Overall 4
- Food 3
- Service 5
- Ambience 5
Olio was easy to find and made a solid first impression the moment we walked in. The space is moody with dim lighting and walls adorned in eclectic decorative art, creating an intimate, artsy vibe. On the right, a small, dainty bar added charm to the setting, and there was no shortage of seating both indoors and out.
From the start, the service was warm and welcoming. The host greeted us promptly, and our waiter, Neil, made us feel right at home. We began our meal with a Caesar salad and bruschetta—both simple but fresh and well-executed.
For drinks, I went with the Farfella Rossa, while my friend had an espresso martini. Both were well-made and balanced, perfect for easing into the evening. Neil recommended the branzino for a lighter option, which my friend chose, while I opted for the seafood pasta, hoping for something heartier to pair with my drink.
The branzino was nicely cooked and flavorful, though on the smaller side. It sat atop a bed of potatoes that added a nice touch. My seafood pasta, unfortunately, missed the mark. The squid ink pasta had an interesting texture, but the dish overall was too salty and lacked the creamy, saucy richness I was hoping for. It also felt like a heavy portion of pasta with not enough balance from the other ingredients. Neil was kind enough to explain that the dish was a new addition to the menu, which rotates often.
The overall vibe at Olio is definitely romantic, but be prepared for a high noise level—it’s not exactly the spot for a quiet dinner conversation. Still, the energy, ambiance, and service made the evening enjoyable.
Would return, especially to try more from their rotating menu and enjoy that inviting at again.
